Colorectal cancer remains one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it is still a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection is a key factor in improving survival rates and outcomes for patients.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, which are small, noncancerous growths in the colon or rectum. Routine screening can help physicians find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous. Patrick Boland, medical oncologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute/Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center and RWJBarnabas Health, emphasized this point: “Colorectal cancer is unique in that screening can both detect cancer early and stop it before it starts. That’s why staying up to date on screening is one of the most important steps people can take for their long-term health.”
Despite the effectiveness of screening, participation rates remain lower than recommended. Barriers such as fear, lack of awareness, and misconceptions about screening procedures often prevent individuals from undergoing tests. Many people believe that screenings are only necessary if symptoms appear; however, early-stage colorectal cancer often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. By the time signs like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits occur, the disease may have progressed to a more advanced stage.
While colorectal cancer incidence has decreased among older adults due to increased screening efforts, there has been a rise in cases among adults under 55 years old. Currently, one out of five diagnoses occurs in this younger population group. Medical experts advise that average-risk adults should begin regular screenings at age 45. Those with additional risk factors or family history may need to start earlier.
Several methods exist for colorectal cancer screening; however, colonoscopy remains the preferred approach because it allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum directly while also removing polyps during the procedure if needed. Dr. Boland explained: “Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard because it allows us to both find and remove precancerous polyps in one step. It’s a powerful tool that significantly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer.” The procedure usually takes less than an hour and most patients return to normal activities by the next day.
Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise habits, smoking status, and alcohol consumption all influence individual risk for developing colorectal cancer but do not replace regular screenings. Even those who feel healthy could have undetected precancerous growths.
Health organizations stress that regular colorectal screenings save lives by detecting issues early when treatment is most effective. Individuals aged 45 or older—or those with higher risks—are encouraged to discuss scheduling a colonoscopy with their healthcare provider.
Additional information about screenings is available through RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute at rwjbh.org/colonscreening.
